Messenger RNA expression of endothelin-1, endothelin-A receptor and endothelial constitutive nitric oxide synthase in hydatididorm moles.

ABSTRACT

An interesting feature in molar pregnancy is the association with preeclampsia. The reason for this has not been explained but could possibly be due to differences in vasoactive agents compared to normal pregnancy. The aim of this study was to examine the mRNA expression of the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 (ET-1), its receptor ET-A and the endothelial constitutive nitric oxide synthase (ecNOS), forming the vasodilator nitric oxide, in hydatidiform moles. The results demonstrated the presence of mRNA expression of ET-1, ET-A and ecNOS in hydatidiform moles and that the level of mRNA expression did not vary from that in control placentas. Thus, the present data could not explain the increased frequency of preeclampsia in molar pregnancy.